Brown ready for MLS chapter

Former Harbour View defender Javain Brown says that he is ready to make his own mark at the professional level as he begins his career in Major League Soccer (MLS).

The 21-year old full back was selected by the Vancouver Whitecaps with the 23rd overall pick in the first round of the MLS Superdraft held virtually yesterday. Brown declared for this year's draft after forgoing his remaining eligibility at the University of South Florida (USF).

Brown played two seasons with local premier league outfit Harbour View from 2016 to 2018 before accepting an offer from USF. His experience at the collegiate level was difficult initially as he did not see the field in his first year of eligibility. But he credited the support that his college coach Bob Butehorn gave him during his rough start.

"My first year was rough, to be honest. The first year of college was downhill for me but I kept focused," he told STAR Sports. "Coach Bob and the players and the rest of the staff keep me motivated, keep me concentrated. I want to say thanks to them because without them, it wouldn't be possible."

Have a great 2019

He benefited from the guidance to have a great 2019 season, as he was part of a backline that only allowed 1.26 goals per game that year, making the First Team all American Athletic Conference (AAC) as well as the AAC All-Rookie team. Additionally, he represented Jamaica in the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.

Brown is aware of past national players that have gone on to have success in the league but he says that the past track record has not resulted in pressure to continue the trend but for him to have his own success.

"What they have achieved is great but I can't look at what they have achieved. I have to achieve something myself. [But] it gives me a lot of motivation knowing that they have accomplished a lot of stuff," Brown said. "I take all of that into consideration but I can't use that to put pressure on myself. I just got to do what I have to do."

Forward Justin McMaster who represented Jamaica at the Under-15 and Under-17 Concacaf Championship in 2013 and 2015, respectively, was also selected in the first round by Minnesota United with the 17th overall pick. This is the first time that two Jamaicans have been selected in the first round of the MLS Draft since 2015 when striker Romario Williams and defender Sergio Campbell were selected third and 19th overall, respectively.